Thinking of planning a trip to the Big Apple and have never been there before? There are many things to consider and it can be overwhelming, starting with transportation from the airport, getting around the city, areas to visit, what to see, and much more. Hopefully this post will be helpful with some of the questions you might have.
Getting from the airport to the city
Taxi: you could take a taxi from any airport around NYC (i.e. John F. Kennedy-JFK, Newark-EWR, LaGuardia-LGA, and more). The taxi fare can be anywhere from $50-$75, not including tolls, depending where you want to go in NYC.
Uber or Lyft: depending on traffic and demand, Uber or Lyft might end up being more expensive. Make sure to compare fares upon arrival at the airport.
Public transportation: The easiest way to reach Manhattan from JFK is by taking the AirTrain from the airport and then connecting with the Subway system in New York. If you are planning to stay several days, purchase a multiple day METRO pass. MetroCards can be used with regional transit partners: PATH, AirTrain JFK, NICE Bus (Nassau Inter-County Express), Westchester Bee-Line Buses, and the Roosevelt Island Tram.
From Newark you can also catch an AirTrain and then connect with the NJ transit system to NYC.
You can also take the Newark Airport Express Bus to/from three different points in Manhattan.
Private Car Service: It might be the most convenient but most expensive option. If you are traveling with multiple people it might be worth it but you could get stuck in traffic, which won’t be the case with the train.
Click HERE to get more detailed and helpful information.
Getting around the city
The fastest and easiest way to get around NYC is with the MTA system, which includes buses and subways.
You can purchase a MetroCard, which is reloadable, but be aware that the physical card will be retired by the end of 2024. You can purchase single rides, daily fares, weekly, and so on. MTA offers a contactless payment system named OMNY (One Metro New York).
You can also take a Taxi, available 24/7, Ferries, the Roosevelt Tram, cars, or bikes.
To get all the detailed information check out NYC Tourism website.
Things to do in NYC
There are so many interesting and amazing things to see in NYC, it would be impossible to list them all. The most well known places include the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Brooklyn Bridge, the Stock Exchange, 9/11 Memorial, Little Italy & Chinatown, One World Plaza, and many more.
The NYC Tourism & Convention website will provide a lot of useful and helpful information with things to do and current events.
An easy way to get to explore NYC is with the Hop-on-Hop-Off Bus-tour. Experience the whole city with the Uptown and downtown New York Hop on hop off bus tours. You can get off at any stop and rejoin when you are ready to continue your journey.
Safety: Like any big city, be mindful of your surroundings and take usual safety precautions. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially at night.
How to stay connected while visiting NYC
Now that you are planning on traveling to NYC and want to stay in touch with your family and friends, or need to stay connected on your business trip, how do you avoid excessive roaming fees? Ever considered an eSIM? Download the Red Bull Mobile Data App to avoid expensive roaming fees.
eSIMs also allow for more flexible mobile plans, as users can switch carriers or plans without needing to physically swap SIM cards. This can be especially useful for international travel, as users can switch to a local carrier or data plan without needing to purchase a new SIM card.
How do you get an eSIM?
With an eSIM you do not need to physically swap out SIM cards to stay connected to the internet and avoid expensive roaming charges.
Simply download the Red Bull MOBILE Data app, choose your data plan for your destination, and follow the instructions on how to activate the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM data plan. Your device will prompt you to set up your eSIM, which typically involves selecting a mobile plan and confirming your activation. Once your account is activated you are ready to connect to the world without any basic or roaming fees. You will be able to email, chat, set up video conferencing and use your social media accounts. Connecting with your family and friends around the globe is instantaneous.
You don’t have to switch out SIM cards, just switch to your eSIM plan for data on your device while traveling and when you get back you just switch to your regular SIM card.
Are there more advantages to an eSIM other than traveling around the globe?
One of the many advantages of an eSIMs is that it can support multiple profiles, allowing you to use different carriers or plans on the same device. This can be useful if you travel frequently or have different needs for different situations. You could use it to separate your business account from your personal account for emails and phone calls by switching between those profiles. Please note, you can only use one profile at a time.
Another advantage of an eSIM is that you can access the Red Bull MOBILE Data app wherever you are. So if your travel plans change or you decide to go to a new country simply log in to the app, and choose a new destination and bundle, and you are all set!
Do all devices support eSIM?
Not all devices support eSIM, so you should check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology. You can usually find this information in the device specifications under Settings.
iOS devices: Go to Settings > Mobile Data or Cellular Data, if you have the Add Mobile Plan or Add Data Plan option, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Supported devices include iPhone XS, XR and newer models
Android devices: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. If you have the “Add mobile plan” option, your smartphone supports eSIM.
The majority of newer Android smartphones are supported including the Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer models, Google Pixel 3 or newer models, Huawei P40 and many more.
It’s worth noting that the exact steps to use an eSIM may vary slightly depending on your device and mobile carrier. So, it’s always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions provided by your carrier and device manufacturer.
Here are some tips on how to avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling:
Turn off automatic app updates: To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off automatic app updates on your phone. This can be done in your phone’s settings.
Turn off background data: Many apps use data in the background even when you’re not actively using them. To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off background data for apps that you don’t need.
Use a data monitoring app: Download a data monitoring app that can help you keep track of your data usage. This can help you avoid exceeding your data plan and incurring additional fees.
By following these tips, you can avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling and stay connected without breaking the bank.
